GALASSO: Fulfilling your potential takes patience

In my daughter's class, they learned about the life of a caterpillar. The teacher ordered a kit, and each morning the students would watch them grow and observe their life cycle. It's interesting to note that caterpillars must go through four developmental stages, each of which looks completely different and serves a unique purpose, before their metamorphosis is fulfilled.

First, they begin as little eggs. Next, they hatch as caterpillars. Then, they go through an eating phase, consuming leaves voraciously.

Eventually, with dramatic change, they become a chrysalis. A miraculous transformation is happening within. And, finally, after much struggle, they emerge triumphantly as lovely butterflies soaring in God's great universe.

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Are you discouraged because you are not yet where you'd like to be?

Is your situation taking a long time to work itself out to where you want it?

Or maybe, you've been struggling and may think circumstances are never going to change.

In life, we often want the desires of our heart instantaneously. But, like the caterpillar in my daughter's classroom, what if it broke out of its cocoon too early? What would happen if it just emerged easily? The butterfly would spend the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. For the wings would not be developed or strong enough for it to fly.

Similarly, God's purpose for your life takes time. It is a journey. There is a process, a progression... a course of action we must follow.

Perhaps, things are not happening as fast as you want them. Or possibly, you're not where you should be at this point in your life. But don't lose your faith. Trust God's schedule, while you enjoy your precious life and continue to put forth effort. Look at it this way: Maybe, you are going through a time of preparation, so you'll be ready for what God has in store for you. So accept where you are now. Spend time in prayer. Thank God for what He has already done. And keep moving forward. God knows your worth, your great potential, and He can make a way for your God-inspired dreams to come to pass in the future.

Keep in mind, no experience in your life, good or bad, has ever been wasted. It is those experiences, put together, that help mold you into the person you are destined to become. The obstacles that are in your path today are giving you everything that you need for the victories that will come tomorrow.

In the Bible, it describes the life of David. He was a shepherd boy and year after year, David worked in the fields tending the sheep. David made mistakes, faced grief and had many problems. His journey was difficult. It took time. David even thought that God had forsaken him. All the while, God was preparing David for His purpose. And at the appointed hour, David became king of Israel. "...for the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7).

God's plans for you are for good. His way and His timing are right, for they lead to His glory. Thus, walk in obedience and follow God's direction. And be ready, for windows will swing open that were once closed shut. Problems can suddenly turn around. And blessings will come from unexpected places. Circumstances will transform wondrously in your behalf; and as you look back you will know that without a doubt it was God's divine hand.

Scripture says:

-- "For He knows the way that I take, and when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)

-- "...through faith and patience (we) inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:12)

-- "For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day." (Habakkuk 2:3)

-- "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Just as there are seasons in nature for planting and growing, there are seasons in all of our lives. Nature does not hurry. It grows at its own pace. So, let's do as the gardener does: wait with expectation. Although the storms may come, the gardener continues to plan and prepare for the harvest. The gardener knows that positive expectation, patience and preparation, lead to success. For the longer it takes, the bigger the harvest.

Today, like the caterpillar, God is leading you step by step on an extraordinary journey. It may be challenging, and sometimes difficult. However, God sees the incredible transformation that is taking place within your heart. Moreover, He is at work right now, guiding you to where He desires you to be.

God loves you and wants the best for your life. Trust Him and be at peace. Your time of victory is coming. God has something great for you just up ahead. Be patient, yet persistent. For soon, you will receive a phenomenal breakthrough. So keep your hope in God and look forward to the amazing blessings in your future!

Remember, "He has made everything beautiful in His time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)